While property prices are dropping here in Northern Ireland the same cannot be said for an 18th century mansion in Oxfordshire.

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Park Place near Henley-on-Thames is now one of the UK’s most expensive homes since a Russian billionaire paid £140m for it.

The exceptionally grand property, once home to George II’s eldest son, has also been given a multi-million pound makeover by its new owner.

So what do you get for the money? A location backing onto the River Thames, a helipad, spa complex, home cinema and high-tech security system.

And this particular house-hunter, who is believed to be a Russian oligarch, has beaten the property price paid for a penthouse at One Hyde Park in Knightsbridge, which sold for £136m earlier this year.

The Grade II-listed house, built in the Renaissance style, has 10-bedrooms complete with en suite bathrooms and 30,000 sq ft of living space.

Outside, meanwhile, is a barrel-vaulted Grecian grotto dating from the 18th century, stables and a boathouse.

You even get a ghost for the money. This house is said to be haunted by the ghost of Mary Blandy who was accused of poisoning her father in 1752.

Phil Neville

Everton footballer Phil Neville has just splashed out up to £4m on a new home for his family in Cheshire.

And of course the Neville clan will be setting up home in the popular village of Hale in the heart of Footballers’ Wives country.

The Everton captain, his wife Julie and their two children move into their new-build mansion soon.

And as you would expect in WAG-land it has all the usual trappings, including a cinema, gym, sauna, steam room and large garage.

Holly Willoughby

TV presenter Holly Willoughby has just sold her £1.75m Barnes home.

The five-bedroom South West London property has been home to Holly, her husband Dan and their two children since 2008.

Like many househunters the initial sale didn’t go that smoothly with the original owners accusing Dan and Holly of gazundering — claiming they demanded £45,000 off the price on the day they were due to exchange.

The two parties eventually compromised and the price was cut by £22,500 to £1,622,500. Holly said the price reflected problems shown up by the survey.

Holly should be smiling after making a good sale on her property

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